Brutally Honest Attitude Tips

The difference-maker in a day, in a group, in a situation, or in an outcome may well rest within the simple word A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E.

Wow! You have such a great attitude!

What on earth is wrong with your attitude?

Do you realize that your attitude is affecting the whole carpool?!

I wish I had your attitude.

His talent is great, but his attitude is horrible.

These statements and others like them flow in and out of our conversations. But what inherent meaning do they carry?

The difference-maker in a day, in a group, in a situation, or in an outcome is often held within the simple word attitude. But we seldom give it the deference it deserves, yet, its impact is astounding—harnessed or harmful—as it sets the tone and alters a direction.

Attitude speaks a language of its own. My observations reflected in the comments below sweep across multiple countries and a variety of cultures.

Brutally Honest Attitude Tips

90% of life is attitude; the other 10% is perspective.

No one will ever manage your attitude for you. It is yours, all yours.

Control is a myth; controlling your attitude is not.

Your attitude toward your own importance speaks volumes. You are not the center of the universe.

God will always allow a difficult person to be in your life. If you do not have a difficult person in your life, most likely you are the difficult person in someone else’s life. How does this affect your attitude?

Your best contribution to any group dynamic is your attitude.

The way you feel is important; the way you make other people feel is radically more important.

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

Intimacy with Jesus

Authenticity with others

A passion for your calling

A purpose for your influence

The Bible certainly sheds light on this topic. How do these two verses broaden the significance of attitude?

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Natural Steps for a Supernatural Meeting with God

Natural Steps for a Supernatural Meeting with God

—Thoughts for an Appointment too incredible to miss—

Mentally prepare the night before to keep tomorrow’s privileged appointment with God.

In the morning, resist the impulse to turn to devices before turning to the Word.

Set a definite time to begin and to end.

Choose a specific place (a chair, a closet, a porch, a kitchen table).

Gather preferred essentials (Bible, journal, blanket, mug filled with a hot beverage).

Incorporate a Scriptural reading plan (a verse a day, a chapter a day, a Psalm a day… )

Remember to Whom you are speaking.

Fight the urge to jump up and unload the dishwasher, change the laundry, or take the chicken out to thaw.

Continue to bring a wandering mind back into the Presence of God; He understands.

Endeavor to keep this sacred space simple, but keep it consistent—day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, decade after decade: sit, read, write, pray… sit, read, write, pray… sit, read, write, pray.

Establish reading the Bible and talking to God as the ongoing fixed-focus. Ah, and may you find the unspeakable joy in discovering that this is truly your Happiest of Happy Places.

““And remember, He will always keep the appointment.””

— Debby Thompson

“That I may know Him…” (Philippians 3:10a).

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

Intimacy with Jesus, authenticity with others, a passion for your calling, a purpose for your influence

Why do you think God invites us to meet with Him daily?

What steps will you take to incorporate this privilege into your lifestyle?

1st Grade Paddling

My first grade the teacher, Miss Boyce, took me into the cloakroom and gave me a paddling.

Embarrassed, I ducked my head, pushed my chair back from the desk, and followed my teacher’s command to meet her in the cloakroom. The narrow space with hooks lined up along the wall and the tall window at the end provided a somber backdrop for my impending doom.

And then . . .

Miss Boyce, my 1st-grade teacher, gave me a paddling. Why? For talking. Whether her disciplinary measure altered my behavior going forward remains questionable.

However, what Miss Boyce did not accomplish in my childhood, the Holy Spirit tenderly works toward in the years hence; my learning curve continues. For instance, when a particular caller ID sets off a raw nerve within, a Gentle Prompt moves me to prayerfully turn my speech over to the guidance of the Holy Spirit before answering, rather than depending on my fickle emotions.

2 pivotal thoughts provide ongoing direction:

1. Rarely is one sorry for something not said.

On the contrary, hastily spoken words manufacture grief. “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).

 2. God’s Word offers guidelines for growth in spiritual speech therapy.

Consistently, the best training comes from the Bible itself.

“. . . Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

“He who would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil . . .” (1 Peter 3:10).

“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).

“He who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23).

Now, though long past 1st grade, my schooling continues. What about you?

Living With Eternal Intentionality® Intimacy with Jesus, authenticity with others, a passion for your calling, a purpose for your influence

When recently did you wish you could take back your words?

How has God used His Scriptures to change your habits of speech?